DVD Corner

Star Wars: Dawn Of Rebellion: The Visual Guide Book Review

“Star Wars: Dawn Of Rebellion: The Visual Guide” is another wizard reference book.

Written by Pablo Hidalgo and Emily Shkoukani, “Star Wars: Dawn Of Rebellion: The Visual Guide” primarily covers the era after the prequels and before Episodes 4-6. As such, “Andor,” “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” “Star Wars Rebels,” “Star Wars: The Bad Batch,” “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” and the recent Star Wars Jedi games have a heavy presence here. The book is comprised of 7 chapters featuring The Empire (covering the politicians, military officers, Stormtrooper types, the Senators and the Rebellion formation), Dark Times (Inquisitors, Jedi in hiding, Rebels, ‘Kenobi’ series centric), Worlds Of Unrest (“Andor” centric and focusing on Ferrix, Ryloth, the ISB, Partistans, Rebel factions, and Lothal rebels), Criminal Underworld (Crimson Dawn, Hutts, wanted criminals and smugglers like Han Solo and Lando Calrissian), Imperial Ships (Star Destroyers, Tie Fighters, Imperial Walkers, and equipment like frag grenades and comlinks), Tools Of The Rebellion (Rebel ships like Corellian Corvette, X-Wings, Speeder Bikes and items such as quadnoculars and pilot helmets) and finally Prelude To War (the Yavin 4 Rebel Base and the Death Star’s construction).

Readers can expect a wealth of information including history of the time period, key characters, sidebars (like Imperial Rank Insignias), notable locations (ala Obi-Wan’s Cave on Tatooine in “Obi-Wan Kenobi”), info on items, weapons, and vehicles, a timeline from the end of the Clone Wars to the end of Rogue One, a galaxy map key to planets such as Alderaan and Coruscant, and a handy index.

Given that this era has been heavily explored as of late (and is arguably the best time period in the Disney era in terms of films and television), it seems only fitting that a tie-in book would dive into this pivotal period. Granted, there’s a lot more story to be told within this space (particularly with “Andor” season 2 coming in the near future), but there’s always room for an updated volume down the line. As is, ‘Rebellion’ does a superb job in breaking down this timeline and the brewing conflict between the Empire and the Rebellion. The authors even go as far as to include canonical books and comic books as well. Obviously, a lot of the main characters from this era are given the spotlight here such as Cassian Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mon Mothma, Hera Syndulla, The Grand Inquisitor, Bail Organa, Han Solo, Director Krennic, Darth Vader, and Saw Gerrera, but lesser known inclusions in this universe get inclusions here such as Rebel Pilot Yendor Brethen and the Tie Brute ship. Readers and Star Wars fans also get an up and close look at items briefly seen in shows and films such as the ISB Datapad, Luthen Rael’s Kuati Signet, and Whaler’s Cleaver. There’s something here for all manner of Star Wars fans and really that’s all you can ask for.

December 31, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Book review | Andor, Empire, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars, Star Wars Books, Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars: Dawn Of Rebellion: The Visual Guide Book Review